2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.
Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Response
The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined direction.
The president noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full text from the president's memo:
Team—
I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”
Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.
The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a sharper vision.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.
Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.
I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the development of the game in the time to ahead.
David
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Details and Vision
Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the genre."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Face the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."
The game does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can expect additional details as production advances.
